Now we've reached the pinnacle. The top five. You should recognize some of these names if you've read up on the Big 3. What defines these top five? What characteristics testify to their unity? All have a well acknowledged presence whose tentacles spread across America. All have respectable variety, and are innovators and market-definers in the fast food world.
#5 In-N-Out Burger (+ 16)
Taste: 9
Value: 7
Variety: 7
Rep: 10
Much to the chagrin of Californians, I left this franchise off the list altogether last year. It's still hazy in my mind why Wikipedia classifies In-N-Out as international, but there we are. In-N-Out, besides great burgers, leapfrogs over mediocre chains through carefully branding a sacrificial customer support system that has developed cultish devotion.
#4 Dunkin' Donuts (+ 6)
Taste: 8
Value: 7
Variety: 10
Rep: 9
Dunkin' Donuts is another fringe member of the fast food top 20 because it's most direct competition comes from places like Starbucks and Krispy Kreme, which do not qualify as fast food. However, Dunkin sets itself apart from these by its assortment of sandwiches and other prepared selections. To ensure its future ranking prominence, DD will have to expand more significantly outside the northeast.
#3 Subway (+ 4)
Taste: 10
Value: 8
Variety: 7
Rep: 10
Subway has vaulted up the rankings from last year due primarily to its unique capacity to squeeze franchises into the most unlikely and miniscule locations. It will be tough slugging to unseat the burger mammoths at 1 and 2, but with continual emphasis on its 'healthier' platform, they may make headway.
#2 Wendy's ( no change)
Taste: 9
Value: 10
Variety: 9
Rep: 9
Wendy's is already there, so what do they need to watch out for? Sacrificing quality for experimental variety is a concern they've flirted with before. They also must maintain a robust value menu which puts them on equal footing with other value greats such as McDonald's and Taco Bell.
#1 McDonald's ( no change)
Taste: 8
Value: 10
Variety: 10
Rep: 10
The perennial chart topper. Even if we allow for personal bias, it's impossible to refute McDonald's iconic image as the face of fast food culture in America and the world. What to expect from Mickey-D in the future? Unceasing progress and expansion. The ushering in of McCafe renovations showcase a combination of blue collar affordability with a swanky, hip coffee shop.
Check out the full list:
#20 - 16, #15 - 11, #10 - 6, #5 -1
Compare to last year's top 5
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